The 1993-2001 Dodge Ram FAQ from the RamTruck mailing list
This FAQ should cover 1993-2001 Ram trucks
The original FAQ has been taken down from its original web site.
Introduction and Table of Contents
This is the FAQ list for the mailing list ramtruck, maintained by Hank Janssen, with contributions
from many other people (see the credits section). The contents of this
document are based on the contributors' opinions; neither the
contributors nor the FAQ maintainer accept any responsibility or
liability for any damages brought about by the information contained
herein.
This document may be freely
distributed and reproduced as long as it remains wholly unaltered and
includes this notice. If you do redistribute this document, especially
on a commercial basis, please contact the FAQ maintainer before doing
so. (Allpar did so and got permission.)
If you have suggestions for
improvements to this document, or if you fail to understand any part of
it, please feel free to send a note to the FAQ maintainer or to the
author of the relevant section. The initials of the author(s) of each
section can be found in brackets following each question.
Table of Contents
1 Definitions
2 Finding out about the Dodge Ram truck.
3 Maintenance
4 Performance upgrades and guidelines
5 Customizations.
6 The Cummins diesel engine
7 What about more 4x4 info.
8 Various helpful sites.
9 Credits.
1 Definitions
1.1 What do all of those acronyms mean (4x2, 4x4)?
2.1 Phone Numbers (the following numbers are only valid in the US)
This section describes the various 1500 models available. These are based on the 1997 model year.
This section describes the various 2500 models available. These are based on the 1997 model year.
This section describes the
various 3500 models available. These are based on the 1997 model year.
This is pretty much the biggest one you can get, dual wheels in the
back, and really designed for heavy duty towing.
What mileage people have been
getting with their Rams is of course very subjective due to setup and
driving conditions. But here are some mileage numbers.
3.3 General repairs and stuff
This section provides you with
some insight as to what some people on the ramtruck mailing list have
done to their truck to improve the performance and guidelines to keep
in mind when you want to improve the performance.
4.1 What can I do to make my truck go faster.
Here are some things people on the list have done to get that extra mile.
This is a tricky question. The
bigger/smaller the tire than a stock tire will throw your speedometer
off, sometimes enough that you need a speedo gear adjustment to make
your speedo sane again. Here are a few people and the tires they
recommend/have on their own truck(s);
(+ Installation) A Borla Exhaust is a Dual Exhaust. Used to provide a more "powerful" sound and increase performance.
Darin L Brummett: I have a
Borla Cat-back exhaust and the K&N FIPK installed on my 1500
4x4 5.9L. The Borla Cat-back system mates to the output of the stock
cat (single pipe 2.75 inch, I think) and runs thru a muffler where it
is split in to two pipes (2.25 inch, again I think) and exits behind
the right rear tire. They also make a version that exits out the rear.
The Borla has Cat-back system adds a wonderful V8 rumble compared to
the stock exhaust but isn't too loud. My experience has been added
horsepower, increased MPG and increased drivability (especially on
mountain roads and highways). It has also lessened the auto
transmission downshifting problem going up hills.
J Lacey:
Chris Siano at AutoSite.com provided the following info on axles:
Dana 44-F
There seems to be a product out that can improve the mileage by providing you with an extra 'gear'.
Stan Steele:
An easy and pretty cheap way to
increase a little performance is to replace your stock air filter with
an higher air flow filter. Many on the list (myself included) have
either a drop in replacement filter or what is called an FIPK (both
made by K&N) These filters work on the principle of providing
the engine with more air and thus increasing it's mileage and
horsepower. Although these improvements have not been seen by all (I
noticed maybe a mile to the gallon more, and a slightly faster throttle
response)
They do offer one additional
benefit, they are guaranteed for the life of your vehicle (or 1 million
miles). So once you buy one, you never have to by another. You have to
clean them every so many miles, (mine stated every 40.000 or so miles)
and they are again as good as new.
Several people on the list
noted though that this filter might not be helpful in very dusty
environments. The thought was that due to the higher airflow rates more
dust might get by and foul the air intake.
Some people noticed a slight
increase in sound with this filter installed. (A very faint high pitch
whine from the air filter intake).
An K&N Airfilter is just that, a drop in replacement filter for your stock airbox.
5 Customizations
5.1 Bedliners.
Joe has the following to say about rhino liners and drop-in liners;
Andi Vogt: I use Grizzlies on
my 1500 Short box. I selected Grizzlies because they are a touch
shorter than Smittybuilt and mount to the frame leaving only a 2" gap
between them and the lower side panel of my Ram. They don't cause any
rubbing either with my slightly over sized 32x11.5 Sport Kings. They
are not as good a quality as Smittybuilt, ie. chipping black paint and
rust, but they are made of the same tough high grade steel that Smitty
is. I beat the heck out of them in Moab, and they protected my truck
stupendously. A little sanding and touch up paint and they are as good
as new. They also come with a no-skid strip which I have been thankful
for more than once.
5.6 Lights.
The Rams are heavy trucks, and
sometimes take some effort to stop. Several people have been advocating
better brake pads, they are made by Performance Friction and are called
Carbon Metallic. Any self respecting car parts dealer should be able to
get them without much problems. Check when buying, but the part number
for for the 2500 4x4 and diesel& V10 is #04594.
6 The Cummins diesel engine
The 2500 and 3500 series are
available with an optional 5.9 L inline 6 cylinder Cummins diesel
engine. This is a completely different beast than any of the gas
engines, and as such has an chapter devoted to it.
6.1 Oil pressure delay.
Various owners have reported
seeing the following; When starting the engine it seems to take the oil
light a few seconds to go off, and the oil pressure a few seconds to
start registering the operating pressure.
Keith Gardner: Mine has done
that since new. It happens because all of the oil finds its way to the
pan (a thin coating remains, but not much). The oil pump just needs a
little time to pump oil out of the pan and into the motor. I think the
owner's manual states that you should have pressure within 10 seconds
of startup (it may be 5, I'm not real sure).
6.2 What kinds of oil are people using for the Cummins Diesel.
The Cummins diesel engines
takes special "heavy duty" oil, not the regular motor oil usually used
in gasoline engines. The engine oil must be rated "API CG-4/SH"
The Cummins diesel on the Ram
is incredibly powerful. More powerful than even the 2500 or 3500 can
handle. Here are some hints to what you can do to get more performance
from the Cummins.
Lance Kirk:
Starting with the 98 model year
Cummins is introducing a new diesel engine that is replacing the one
that they have been putting in the Ram. This is the new ISB engine, its
main reason for existing seems to be to meet the new emissions
regulations.
7 What about more 4x4 info.
This section hopefully provides
the reader with some more background on 4x4 operation. A lot of the
info provided in this section came from Scott Nixon, Thanks very much
for the additions Scott.!
7.1 What's that lever for?
7.5 Help, I'm stuck!
And there you are with your big 4x4, stuck! So what can you do to get out equipment wise.?
7.5.1 Description of factory tow hooks, installation
Here is a list of various sites that might be helpful in finding out more information
about the Dodge truck line.
This FAQ would not be possible
without the help of many people, here is a list of those people who
have provided great input to this FAQ one way or another: Andi Vogt, Bill A, Chris Chris
Siano, Darin L Brummett, Dennis A. Grindrod Sr, J Lacey, Jay Eberhard,
Joe, John Donovan, Keith Gardner, Lance Kirk, Mark Brown, Michael P.
Lebow , Mike, Rolando Gonzalez, Scott Nixon, Stan Steele, Steve Belt,
Tim Edwards, Bryan Wilemski
Home • 2019 Ram • Repairs • Vans • Campers • Forum
CURRENT: 1500 • HD • Power Wagon • Chassis Cabs
Vintage and special Dodge and Ram trucks
Trucks/SUVs
Jeep
Ram
Military
Engines
2015-2017
Forums
Home •
Engines •
Reviews •
Chrysler 1904-2018 •
Upcoming •
Trucks •
Cars
Spread the word via <!--Tweet or--> Facebook!
We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
This FAQ should cover 1993-2001 Ram trucks
The original FAQ has been taken down from its original web site.
Introduction and Table of Contents
This is the FAQ list for the mailing list ramtruck, maintained by Hank Janssen, with contributions
from many other people (see the credits section). The contents of this
document are based on the contributors' opinions; neither the
contributors nor the FAQ maintainer accept any responsibility or
liability for any damages brought about by the information contained
herein.
This document may be freely
distributed and reproduced as long as it remains wholly unaltered and
includes this notice. If you do redistribute this document, especially
on a commercial basis, please contact the FAQ maintainer before doing
so. (Allpar did so and got permission.)
If you have suggestions for
improvements to this document, or if you fail to understand any part of
it, please feel free to send a note to the FAQ maintainer or to the
author of the relevant section. The initials of the author(s) of each
section can be found in brackets following each question.
Table of Contents
1 Definitions
- 1.1 What do all of those acronyms mean (4x2, 4x4)?
2 Finding out about the Dodge Ram truck.
- 2.1 Phone numbers.
- 2.2 What is a 1500.
- 2.2.1 General
- 2.2.2 What are the engines available.
- 2.3 What is a 2500.
- 2.3.1 General
- 2.3.2 What are the engines available.
- 2.4 What is a 3500.
- 2.4.1 General
- 2.4.2 What are the engines available.
- 2.5 What mileage have people been getting.
3 Maintenance
- 3.3 General repairs/stuff
4 Performance upgrades and guidelines
- 4.1 What can I do to make my truck go faster.
- 4.1.1 Biggest performance bang for the $$
- 4.2 What are kind of tires will/are the best for my truck.
- 4.2.1 Tire Pressures.
- 4.2.2 What are the biggest tires that fit on a 1500.
- 4.2.3 What are the biggest tires that fit on a 2500.
- 4.2.4 What are the biggest tires that fit on a 3500.
- 4.3 What is an Borla Exhaust. (+ installation)
- 4.4 Shocks.
- 4.6 Axle Info.
- 4.7 US Gear Overdrive/Underdrive.
- 4.8 K&N Airfilters and FIPK.
- 5.1 Bed-liners.
- 5.3 Brush Guards.
- 5.4 Side Bars.
- 5.5 Aero Tanks.
- 5.6 Lights.
- 5.7 Better brake pads.
6 The Cummins diesel engine
- 6.1 Oil pressure delay.
- 6.2 What kinds of oil are people using for the Cummins Diesel.
- 6.3 Biggest performance bang for the $$ for diesels.
- 6.4 What is this ISB engine I keep hearing about.
7 What about more 4x4 info.
- 7.1 What's that lever for?
- 7.2 Where are my hubs?
- 7.3 Stock, shmock, I want to lift it!
- 7.3.1 Available lift kits
- 7.4 If its four wheel drive, why am I stuck?
- 7.4.1 Brief description of traction aiding devices
- 7.4.2 List of factory available LSD's
- 7.4.3 List of aftermarket LSD's/lockers
- 7.4.4 Why you can't use an LSD in a front CAD system
- 7.5 Help, I'm stuck!
- 7.5.1 Description of factory tow hooks, installation
- 7.5.2 Aftermarket winch bumpers
- 7.6 How to tow a 4x4
8 Various helpful sites.
9 Credits.
1 Definitions
1.1 What do all of those acronyms mean (4x2, 4x4)?
- This is a list of common abbreviations used in this FAQ.
- 2WD 2 Wheel Drive.
- 4WD 4 Wheel Drive.
- CC Chrysler Corporation.
- FIPK Fuel Injection Performance Kit.
- OBD
II 2nd generation On Board Diagnostics (Federally-required computer
system to check engine problems that could lead to any increase in
emissions) - ISB Interact System B (refers to Cummins B-series diesel with new Interact System computer controls)
- TST is a company that makes Cummins uprate kits
- TSB
Technical Service Bulletin (repair issued by manufacturer in response
to common problems amongst a similar group of vehicles) You can find a
list of them at Alldata DIY
2.1 Phone Numbers (the following numbers are only valid in the US)
- 1-800-992-1997 Chrysler Customer Service
- 1-800-255-9877
Auto-mobility Headquarters (info about reimbursements for aftermarket
adaptation of new vehicles for people with disabilities) - 1-800-253-0823 order a catalog of replicas of Chrysler vehicles
- 1-800-4-A-DODGE get a Dodge catalog or other product info
- 1-812-342-6741 TST line. HP upgrade kit company for the Cummins.
- (the following number is valid if you're not in the US) 810-978-6428 Chrysler International
This section describes the various 1500 models available. These are based on the 1997 model year.
2.3 What is a Ram 2500?
This section describes the various 2500 models available. These are based on the 1997 model year.
2.4 What is a 3500.
This section describes the
various 3500 models available. These are based on the 1997 model year.
This is pretty much the biggest one you can get, dual wheels in the
back, and really designed for heavy duty towing.
2.5 What mileage have people been getting.
What mileage people have been
getting with their Rams is of course very subjective due to setup and
driving conditions. But here are some mileage numbers.
- Me, 2500 4x4 97 Cummins
Diesel. about 21 miles to the gallon, 35% city 65% highway at speeds of
75 miles. Only have a K&N drop in air filter. - Chris 2500 V10. 10.5 city 12 Highway. CC 4X4, Auto, stock tires. I have a K&N element.
- Franco C. Saiano <> 97 2500HD SLT 4X4 V-10/5 speed, I'm getting about 9-10 MPG in 2WD with no payload. I
get about 11.5 average with 65% city driving and 35% highway. I have a
'96 v10 CC 4x4 with a K&N drop in filter, dynomax dual exhaust
cat back and a FloThru tailgate. I believe that my setup gives me about
1.5 to 2.0 MPG more than if I left the truck entirely stock. I use 87
octane, after much trial and error. I found the 87 gives me the best
performance and mileage. - Michael
P. Lebow I don't get it, I am a big lead foot, and I get 11.5 city min
and 15 highway. This is corrected speed, and on a 4x4 2500 extended
cab. Its white, maybe that helps. Oh, 5sp, cruise at max (87MPH) and
BFG 245/75r16. Inflation pressure makes a difference. 80 is best but
doesn't wear well. So 50-60psi is what i run. only change was new
tranny fluid and synthetic gear oil for diffs. Oh and a K&N.
3.3 General repairs and stuff
- David Hill: I had an idling problem at higher elevations with the AC on, solved by replacing the intake with a K&N intake.
- Also see our Ram truck repairs page
Home • 2019 Ram • Repairs • Vans • Campers • Forum
CURRENT: 1500 • HD • Power Wagon • Chassis Cabs
Vintage and special Dodge and Ram trucks
This section provides you with
some insight as to what some people on the ramtruck mailing list have
done to their truck to improve the performance and guidelines to keep
in mind when you want to improve the performance.
4.1 What can I do to make my truck go faster.
Here are some things people on the list have done to get that extra mile.
4.2 What are kind of tires will/are the best for my truck.
This is a tricky question. The
bigger/smaller the tire than a stock tire will throw your speedometer
off, sometimes enough that you need a speedo gear adjustment to make
your speedo sane again. Here are a few people and the tires they
recommend/have on their own truck(s);
4.3 What is an Borla Exhaust.
(+ Installation) A Borla Exhaust is a Dual Exhaust. Used to provide a more "powerful" sound and increase performance.
Darin L Brummett: I have a
Borla Cat-back exhaust and the K&N FIPK installed on my 1500
4x4 5.9L. The Borla Cat-back system mates to the output of the stock
cat (single pipe 2.75 inch, I think) and runs thru a muffler where it
is split in to two pipes (2.25 inch, again I think) and exits behind
the right rear tire. They also make a version that exits out the rear.
The Borla has Cat-back system adds a wonderful V8 rumble compared to
the stock exhaust but isn't too loud. My experience has been added
horsepower, increased MPG and increased drivability (especially on
mountain roads and highways). It has also lessened the auto
transmission downshifting problem going up hills.
J Lacey:
4.4 Shocks.
4.6 Axle Info.
Chris Siano at AutoSite.com provided the following info on axles:
Dana 44-F
Dana 60-F
Chrysler 9.25
Chrysler 9.25
Dana 60
Dana 70
Dana 80
Dana 80 Dual Rear Wheel
4.7 US Gear Overdrive/Underdrive.
There seems to be a product out that can improve the mileage by providing you with an extra 'gear'.
Stan Steele:
4.8 K&N Airfilters and FIPK.
An easy and pretty cheap way to
increase a little performance is to replace your stock air filter with
an higher air flow filter. Many on the list (myself included) have
either a drop in replacement filter or what is called an FIPK (both
made by K&N) These filters work on the principle of providing
the engine with more air and thus increasing it's mileage and
horsepower. Although these improvements have not been seen by all (I
noticed maybe a mile to the gallon more, and a slightly faster throttle
response)
They do offer one additional
benefit, they are guaranteed for the life of your vehicle (or 1 million
miles). So once you buy one, you never have to by another. You have to
clean them every so many miles, (mine stated every 40.000 or so miles)
and they are again as good as new.
Several people on the list
noted though that this filter might not be helpful in very dusty
environments. The thought was that due to the higher airflow rates more
dust might get by and foul the air intake.
Some people noticed a slight
increase in sound with this filter installed. (A very faint high pitch
whine from the air filter intake).
An K&N Airfilter is just that, a drop in replacement filter for your stock airbox.
5 Customizations
5.1 Bedliners.
Joe has the following to say about rhino liners and drop-in liners;
J Lacey:
5.3 Brush Guards.
5.4 Side bars.
Andi Vogt: I use Grizzlies on
my 1500 Short box. I selected Grizzlies because they are a touch
shorter than Smittybuilt and mount to the frame leaving only a 2" gap
between them and the lower side panel of my Ram. They don't cause any
rubbing either with my slightly over sized 32x11.5 Sport Kings. They
are not as good a quality as Smittybuilt, ie. chipping black paint and
rust, but they are made of the same tough high grade steel that Smitty
is. I beat the heck out of them in Moab, and they protected my truck
stupendously. A little sanding and touch up paint and they are as good
as new. They also come with a no-skid strip which I have been thankful
for more than once.
5.6 Lights.
5.7 Better brake pads.
The Rams are heavy trucks, and
sometimes take some effort to stop. Several people have been advocating
better brake pads, they are made by Performance Friction and are called
Carbon Metallic. Any self respecting car parts dealer should be able to
get them without much problems. Check when buying, but the part number
for for the 2500 4x4 and diesel& V10 is #04594.
6 The Cummins diesel engine
The 2500 and 3500 series are
available with an optional 5.9 L inline 6 cylinder Cummins diesel
engine. This is a completely different beast than any of the gas
engines, and as such has an chapter devoted to it.
6.1 Oil pressure delay.
Various owners have reported
seeing the following; When starting the engine it seems to take the oil
light a few seconds to go off, and the oil pressure a few seconds to
start registering the operating pressure.
Keith Gardner: Mine has done
that since new. It happens because all of the oil finds its way to the
pan (a thin coating remains, but not much). The oil pump just needs a
little time to pump oil out of the pan and into the motor. I think the
owner's manual states that you should have pressure within 10 seconds
of startup (it may be 5, I'm not real sure).
6.2 What kinds of oil are people using for the Cummins Diesel.
The Cummins diesel engines
takes special "heavy duty" oil, not the regular motor oil usually used
in gasoline engines. The engine oil must be rated "API CG-4/SH"
6.3 Biggest performance bang for the $$ for diesels.
The Cummins diesel on the Ram
is incredibly powerful. More powerful than even the 2500 or 3500 can
handle. Here are some hints to what you can do to get more performance
from the Cummins.
Lance Kirk:
6.4 What is this ISB engine I keep hearing about.
Starting with the 98 model year
Cummins is introducing a new diesel engine that is replacing the one
that they have been putting in the Ram. This is the new ISB engine, its
main reason for existing seems to be to meet the new emissions
regulations.
7 What about more 4x4 info.
This section hopefully provides
the reader with some more background on 4x4 operation. A lot of the
info provided in this section came from Scott Nixon, Thanks very much
for the additions Scott.!
7.1 What's that lever for?
7.2 Where are my hubs?
7.3 Stock, shmock, I want to lift it!
7.4 If its four wheel drive, why am I stuck?
7.4.1 Brief description of traction aiding devices
7.4.2 List of factory available LSDs
7.4.3 List of aftermarket LSDs/lockers John Donovan:
7.4.4 Why you can't use an LSD in a front CAD system TBD
7.5 Help, I'm stuck!
And there you are with your big 4x4, stuck! So what can you do to get out equipment wise.?
7.5.1 Description of factory tow hooks, installation
7.5.2 Aftermarket winch bumpers
8 Various helpful sites.
Here is a list of various sites that might be helpful in finding out more information
about the Dodge truck line.
- Allpar, home of just about all Chrysler Corporation vehicles
- The current-generation Ram trucks
- Dodge Ram HQ maintained by Ron Wilson. Home of the ramtruck mailing list
- FAQ for Chrysler
This FAQ would not be possible
without the help of many people, here is a list of those people who
have provided great input to this FAQ one way or another: Andi Vogt, Bill A, Chris Chris
Siano, Darin L Brummett, Dennis A. Grindrod Sr, J Lacey, Jay Eberhard,
Joe, John Donovan, Keith Gardner, Lance Kirk, Mark Brown, Michael P.
Lebow , Mike, Rolando Gonzalez, Scott Nixon, Stan Steele, Steve Belt,
Tim Edwards, Bryan Wilemski
Home • 2019 Ram • Repairs • Vans • Campers • Forum
CURRENT: 1500 • HD • Power Wagon • Chassis Cabs
Vintage and special Dodge and Ram trucks
Trucks/SUVs
Jeep
Ram
Military
Engines
2015-2017
Forums
Home •
Engines •
Reviews •
Chrysler 1904-2018 •
Upcoming •
Trucks •
Cars
Spread the word via <!--Tweet or--> Facebook!
We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.